Mass Reading & Meditation for January 26, 2013

Today we honor Timothy and Titus, two men who played important roles in spreading the gospel. Titus, a Gentile Christian, was a “partner and co-worker” of St. Paul (2 Corinthians 8:23). He accompanied Paul on his second visit to Jerusalem and his third missionary journey. He also took up a collection in Corinth for the church in Jerusalem. Later in life, Paul charged Titus to appoint bishops on the Mediterranean island of Crete.

Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father whom Paul met at Lystra. Paul was deeply impressed with his faith, and he took Timothy along on many of his missions. Timothy also represented Paul in several newly established Christian communities. Eventually, Timothy was appointed bishop of the Church in Ephesus.

This sounds so heroic and “saintly,” but there is a challenge here as well: God is calling each of us to follow these apostles’ examples and dedicate ourselves to building up the kingdom of God.

Did you know that God has a perfect plan for every person ever created? He even has plans for those who refuse to believe in him! Imagine the lost opportunities and the sadness of knowing that some people will never experience the joy of serving the Lord! Imagine, too, what the Church is missing out on!

But think about your own life as well. It is deceptively easy to fall into the philosophy that our lives are only about the everyday tasks that we perform. Nothing could be farther from the truth! No one is meant for a humdrum, “ordinary” life. Just as Timothy and Titus rose above the ordinary, so can we. Our daily routines can include our ordinary responsibilities. But at the same time, God wants his passion to burn in our hearts, giving us the desire to do great things for God.

If you find this idea too challenging, remember what Paul told Timothy: “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love” (2 Timothy
1:7). Because of the Holy Spirit, you can move mountains!

“Lord, make me your witness today. Fill me with confidence and boldness so that I can help build your Church.”